CVE-2024-37120 in Tabs Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation (XSS or 'Cross-site Scripting') vulnerability in Biplob Adhikari Tabs allows Stored XSS.This issue affects Tabs: from n/a through 4.0.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37120 represents a critical security flaw in the Tabs plugin developed by Biplob Adhikari, specifically classified as an improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This weakness manifests as a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's handling of user input during the generation of web content, creating a persistent security risk that can affect multiple versions of the software. The affected range spans from version n/a through 4.0.6, indicating that all versions within this spectrum are susceptible to exploitation. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-site Scripting flaws in web applications. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that malicious payloads are permanently stored on the server and executed whenever affected pages are accessed, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that process user-generated content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Tabs plugin fails to properly sanitize or escape user input before incorporating it into dynamically generated web pages. When users create or modify content through the plugin interface, their input is processed and rendered in subsequent web views without adequate protection against script injection. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious payloads that contain JavaScript code within the plugin's input fields, which then get stored in the database and executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected pages. The attack vector typically involves injecting script tags or other malicious code that can steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of input validation and output encoding, which are fundamental security practices in web application development.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-37120 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential data breaches within affected systems. When exploited successfully, the stored XSS vulnerability can enable attackers to hijack user sessions, access sensitive information, modify content, or redirect users to phishing sites. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the system, providing attackers with extended periods of access and opportunity to cause damage. Organizations using the affected Tabs plugin versions may experience unauthorized access to their web applications, potential data exfiltration, and loss of user trust. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where the plugin is used for user-facing content management or where administrators have elevated privileges, as attackers could potentially escalate their privileges or access administrative functions through the compromised interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions to the latest available release that addresses the XSS flaw. System administrators should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent malicious content from being stored or executed within the plugin's interface. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits of user input handling processes should be conducted to identify potential injection points. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious script injection attempts, and conduct thorough penetration testing to verify that the vulnerability has been properly addressed. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) and T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) techniques, as attackers can leverage the stored XSS to deliver malicious JavaScript payloads to unsuspecting users. Regular security monitoring and user education regarding the risks of interacting with untrusted content are essential components of a comprehensive defense strategy against this type of vulnerability.